Despite over $531 billion in government spending since 1962, resulting in largely ineffective missile defense systems, the current program boasts a budget exceeding $30 billion annually. The existing 44 ground-based interceptors are deemed insufficient, leading to an $18 billion contract for a replacement system. Claims of near-perfect protection against various missile threats, including hypersonic missiles, are made despite the historical lack of success in creating a truly reliable defense against long-range nuclear missiles. The substantial financial investment underscores the significant profit potential within the missile defense industry.
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Following the capsizing of a new navy destroyer in front of Kim Jong-un, three Chongjin shipyard officials—the chief engineer, hull-construction workshop head, and a deputy manager—were arrested. The incident, witnessed by Kim Jong-un, involved a launch failure resulting in the warship listing significantly. Kim characterized the event as a “criminal act” stemming from negligence and irresponsibility. The arrested officials face potential execution, reflecting the regime’s history of harsh penalties for such failures. A salvage operation is underway.
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Following a brutal attack on Kady Grass at a Carpentersville McDonald’s, Kane County prosecutors are reviewing the possibility of adding hate crime charges to the existing aggravated battery charges against 19-year-old John Kammrad and a 17-year-old accomplice. Grass, who suffered a broken nose and other injuries, alleges the attack stemmed from her sexual orientation, with the assailants using anti-gay slurs before assaulting her. State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser affirmed a commitment to a thorough investigation and ensuring accountability for the perpetrators.
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During his West Point commencement speech, President Trump again asserted his belief that stealth fighter jets are invisible, reiterating a claim he’s made since at least 2017. This misconception, despite years as Commander in Chief, highlights his repeated inaccurate statements regarding the capabilities of military aircraft. The president’s comments have prompted questions about whether his statements stem from ignorance or a deliberate disregard for facts, leading to ongoing debate and criticism.
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GD Culture Group, a small Chinese-linked technology company, plans to purchase up to $300 million in Bitcoin and $TRUMP, President Trump’s memecoin, funding the purchase through a mysterious stock sale to an entity in the British Virgin Islands. This raises ethical concerns, as Trump stands to profit from policies impacting cryptocurrency while his family controls a significant portion of $TRUMP’s supply. The purchase comes amidst Trump’s efforts to influence TikTok’s U.S. operations, further highlighting potential conflicts of interest. The deal marks the first known instance of a China-linked firm investing in Trump’s memecoin.
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Following a large-scale Russian missile attack on May 24-25, resulting in at least three child deaths, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged intensified international pressure on Russia for an immediate ceasefire. The attack, involving hundreds of drones and missiles, constitutes one of the largest recent assaults on Ukrainian cities. Sybiha stressed the urgent need for a complete and unconditional ceasefire as a prerequisite for any peace efforts. Poland’s response included scrambling fighter jets in reaction to the barrage.
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In response to a large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine involving drones and missiles on May 25th, Poland and allied nations immediately scrambled fighter jets and heightened the readiness of ground-based air defenses and radar systems. These actions, conducted according to established procedures, aimed to protect Polish airspace bordering at-risk areas. The Polish Operational Command deployed all available forces, maintaining a state of high alert and continuous monitoring of the situation. The Russian assault resulted in casualties and damage in multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and Odesa.
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A new State Department style guide bans the term “racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism” (REMVE), raising concerns about the administration’s commitment to combating the far-right threat. Simultaneously, significant budget cuts are eliminating offices and personnel focused on countering violent extremism, including those specializing in white supremacist terrorism. This follows a pattern of resource redirection away from far-right threat mitigation across various agencies. Critics fear this prioritizes politically advantageous threats while downplaying the persistent danger of far-right extremism, both domestically and internationally.
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Scott Galloway argues that Elon Musk’s political involvement, particularly his role in the Trump administration’s cost-cutting measures, has severely damaged Tesla’s brand. This is evidenced by a significant drop in Tesla’s brand reputation, coupled with substantial sales declines across multiple European markets. Musk’s actions alienated Tesla’s core customer base, particularly as he aligned himself with a political party largely uninterested in electric vehicles. Consequently, competitors like BYD have surpassed Tesla in European sales, highlighting the detrimental impact of Musk’s political maneuvering on his company’s success.
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Jussie Smollett has reached a settlement with the city of Chicago, agreeing to pay a $50,000 donation to the Building Brighter Futures Center for the Arts, a charity supporting underprivileged youth. This resolves a lawsuit stemming from the city’s investigation into Smollett’s 2019 reported hate crime. The settlement amount is significantly less than the city’s initial demand of $130,000 to cover investigation costs. Smollett has consistently denied staging the incident, despite facing and having charges dropped related to filing a false police report.
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John Q. Hosedrinker